Related Conditions

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) in Children

Overview

As many as 75 percent of girls and women experience unpleasant symptoms or painful pelvic cramps before or during their monthly menstrual cycle, called premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

Some girls and women have significant PMS symptoms, but are able to forget about them after a pain reliever. For others, periods bring so much discomfort that they have to miss school or work.

Less than an estimated 10 percent of females have symptoms so extreme they are considered disabled by the condition.

PMS symptoms may last from a few hours to many days.

Although PMS symptoms usually cease when menstruation starts, some girls may have PMS that lasts throughout their menstrual cycle.

How Boston Children's Hospital approaches premenstrual syndrome

At the Gynecology Program at Boston Children's Hospital, we understand the issues that a teenage girl or young woman deals with during PMS. Our staff provides high quality treatment and counseling, especially if her symptoms are extreme and disrupt her daily activities.